Councils for strategic planning are a group of passionate professionals who want to share their experiences and knowledge. They are a source of support and networking for management and planning executives. Corporate, non profit and governmental organizations come together to understand rising risks and opportunities, explore emerging uncertainties and develop adaptive strategies for the future.

Strategic planning organizations link you to workshops and seminars, which study emerging trends and challenges in the industry. You exchange ideas about what works and what doesn't. As a result, your professional development is fine-tuned. Consider:

1. Joining a strategic planning association to grow and network as a professional in the industry.

2. Researching various strategic planning group membership levels.

3. Taking advantage of educational tools and resources provided by strategic planning associations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join strategic planning associations to network and grow professionally

Know that a strategic planning association can be an international group, state wide association or even a local organization, all with one goal in mind: to advance the strategic planning industry.

I recommend: Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) is an association on strategic planning that promotes research and access to issues, ideas and trends in corporate growth, development and mergers and acquisitions. Register online and take advantage of an online directory, publications and an events calendar to use networking opportunities to their fullest potential. Strategic Management Society (SMS) brings business people, academics and consultants together from all over the world. The group focuses on the development and dissemination of process insights. Members also foster relationships around the world. Sign up online for special conferences to meet professionals with the same concerns on similar themes.

Expect to pay annual membership dues to belong to a strategic planning group

Councils for strategic planning charge a varying amount of membership dues. Once you find an association you want to join, decide what type of commitment your company is willing to give.

I recommend: Strategic Planning Society (SPS) is an association on strategic planning based in London. It promotes research and best practices in thought and action. Register online for a individual, club or corporate membership. The Association for Strategic Planning (ASP) has the goal of enabling people and groups to succeed. ASP gives you the chance to explore cutting-edge strategic planning practices and principles. Choose your expertise, focus area and business area when filling out an application.

Enjoy the benefits offered by a strategic planning society

When you join a strategic planning society, you get access to many career development tools such as publications, a document library, a newsletter, conferences and a member network. They allow you to advance your skills, increase your knowledge, optimize your performance and position your career.

I recommend: Global Business Network (GBN) has members from all over the world. GBN engages in an exploration of the future, creating innovative tools for strategic action. Sign up to participate in training sessions to further your personal knowledge. Attend Digital Conference Providers' ASP annual conference. It's the country's premier forum for professional discussion and exchange of information and experiences among strategic planning practitioners. For two days, you learn from strategic planning leaders and practitioners. Register online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Take advantage of the member directory provided by many business strategic planning organizations. This can further your networking relationships.